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VIDEO: Luxury orangutan house opens at Blackpool Zoo

THE doors have swung open on a new luxury pad for four special orangutans.

The family are back at Blackpool Zoo after their home was given a £1 million transformation, giving them three times more space.

The development means the orangutan outlook is now wider and higher, has an upstairs viewing area and better heating and lighting.

Residents from across East Lancashire can now look forward to seeing Vicky, 30, Ramon, 15, Cherie, 17 and Summer, 12 in their state-of-the-art enclosure.

Peter Dillingham, animal manager at the zoo, said: “The opening of our new orangutan outlook has been hugely anticipated by visitors and staff and the end result is amazing.

“The facilities are state-of-the-art and huge investment has gone into ensuring everything is perfect for the orangutans and the keepers.

“Our keepers also worked extremely hard in planning this project and are thrilled to have the orangutans home.

“We are looking forward to another fantastic summer here at Blackpool Zoo and I am sure Vicky, Ramon, Cherie and Summer will be very happy in their new home.”

The apes were kept at Chester Zoo while the work on their Lancashire home was being carried out.

Ruth Connor, Marketing Lancashire’s chief executive, said: “In recent years Blackpool Zoo has invested £6 million into new attractions which is wonderful news, particularly when creating a great environment for the animals at the zoo.

“Growth in businesses and attractions is always good news for Lancashire.”